Kyler Gordon’s imminent return could have a significant impact on the Bears’ defense

There is building anticipation for the Chicago Bears following their Week 5 bye, as they are expected to get several key players back from injury ahead of their Monday Night matchup on October 13th against the Washington Commanders. Players including defensive end Austin Booker, linebacker T.J. Edwards, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland are expected back, but is the impending return of cornerback Kyler Gordon that is the most exciting. Gordon has yet to play in 2025, and his presence in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme could be significant due to the fourth-year cornerback’s immense flexibility.

Kyler Gordon’s versatility will help in making Chicago’s blitz packages more exotic

Through his first three seasons in the league, Kyler Gordon has been one of the Bears’ most reliable and active defensive players, despite being a nickel back corner. Gordon has shown a tremendous ability to play pass coverage but has also been active when it comes to stopping the run or rushing the quarterback, something that is a rarity for a defensive back. The cornerback has recorded five interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and one and a half sacks during his three seasons in the NFL so far.

It is this universal ability that has made Dennis Allen excited to utilize Gordon on defense, as the cornerback provides immense flexibility when it comes to designing and calling plays. Chicago’s veteran defensive coordinator loves to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks with exotic blitz packages, as he will blitz defensive backs to create confusion and deception. Throughout the offseason leading up to the 2025 season, there was hype that Kyler Gordon would be used heavily in both pass and run blitz packages to help throw off opposing offenses.

Although the Bears’ defense has struggled at points during the team’s first four games, especially in limiting big gains on rushing attempts, there have been signs of progress, including six interceptions in the previous two games. The hallmark of Allen’s defensive scheme is to create constant pressure on the opposing quarterback, which in turn will result in takeaways. Having Kyler Gordon, who can either rush the signal-caller or drop back in coverage, only boosts Chicago’s defensive goals.

If Kyler Gordon is able to return against the Washington Commanders on October 13th, Allen could finally execute his defensive scheme to its fullest, as he will finally have the one defensive back that was envisioned to be the blitzer. Due to injuries to Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, and Terrell Smith, Chicago’s defensive coordinator has had to hold off on any exotic blitz designs and rely significantly on pass rush created from the defensive line where there hasn’t been much production. With the stellar play by Tyrique Stevenson over the past few games, Allen could be well inclined with Gordon’s return to use the slot cornerback’s versatility use him more in pass-rush scenarios than in pass defense situations.

Furthermore, with Allen’s defense having recent success in creating turnover, as they have recorded eight takeaways in the team’s last two games, Kyler Gordon could also be a threat in pass-coverage and help force even more interceptions. Gordon’s versality enables him to be lined up to cover opposing wide receivers on the outside and in the slot, as several of his interceptions have come on short and deep throws. The range possessed by the slot corner enables Allen to basically give his player free range when it comes to pass defense.

Kyler Gordon could be successfully deployed similar to how Dennis Allen used Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans

What Dennis Allen envisions for Kyler Gordon and how the defense wants the cornerback to play in the defensive scheme, it is important to look at fellow cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore played under Allen for over eight seasons during their time in New Orleans with the Saints. Lattimore during his time in New Orleans was named a Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 and was named to the Pro Bowl four times.

Lattimore, during the eight seasons with Allen in New Orleans, was an opposing offense’s nightmare as he generated over 20 takeaways in that span, with 15 interceptions from 2017 to 2023. It is this level of production that Chicago’s defensive coordinator believes Kyler Gordon is capable of in this defensive scheme. Although Gordon may not have the athletic capabilities that Lattimore does, he still has the same level of versatility to be deployed in multiple different ways on defense.

The envisioned plan to deploy Kyler Gordon in the same way Marshon Lattimore was used during Allen’s time in New Orleans will also benefit Chicago’s defensive line. During the defensive coordinator’s time in New Orleans, the Saints defensive line consistently was one of the best units in the league at creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Gordon’s presence in the Bears’ defensive pass rush will only benefit the team’s defensive line and help increase their ability to sack opposing signal-callers.

It will be exciting to see what could transpire with the Bears’ defense if the unit is able to get several of their players back for the game against the Commanders. Although Booker’s return will assist with pass rush and Edwards’ return will benefit the run defense, Kyler Gordon’s presence will universally assist in defensive scheming. Gordon’s immense versatility will boost a defense that is already starting to show signs of dominance into becoming a staunch defensive unit that can stop opposing offenses in a multitude of ways.